| "True Confessions" As I came into my office in between services, I saw a sticky note on my desk with the message, "call Maurice Drinks" with a phone number. I recognized the phone number as being one of the hotels here in town. When I receive such calls on a Sunday it is usually someone who is passing through town and needs a place to stay or help with a bill. Because of this assumption I decided to let it ride until Monday. Many times, the person never calls back because they move on or get tired of waiting and find someone else to help. Not this time. I got a call Monday morning at the house. It was Maurice. He mentioned that no one had called him back. I felt sheepish knowing that I had ignored his call. He shared that he was trying to get to the edge of town and needed a ride. He was to check out of the hotel by 11:00am. I told him I would check into the ride share program to see if it would go beyond the county line. He shared that he would make some more calls. The ride share program does not go beyond the county line. Maurice called back. He still needed a ride. God wanted me to pick this guy up, it was obvious. So I did. As we drove to Oakland City I got to know Maurice. He had told me he was tall and intimidating and he was not lying. With my front seat all the way back his knees were still sticking up pretty high. He was in his 60's, African American with graying hair on his temples. He'd done time in jail during his drinking days. He had once claimed Islam as his faith. He was still married to the same woman after 33 years and heading back to her after making some life changes. We talked of faith, religion and frustration with the system. When we arrived at Oakland City I was going to let him out and he shared that he was going to go to another church so they might drive him further. I slowed down but knew the small church would be less likely to help. So we drove all the way to Huntingburg where we parted ways. I almost missed it...the opportunity to be God's servant, to befriend a traveler, to pass the time with another of God's children. I confess that my selfishness and tiredness led me the wrong direction but God brought me back. "Thanks Maurice, for being persistent in seeking my help." I always feel better after a good confession. Sharing in Faith,
Rev. Craig W. Duke
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